In parts of the world, women have been shot for speaking out about women’s rights. Here in the United States, the struggles women face are more subtle. Women still earn 80 cents to the dollar compared to men and currently hold just over four percent of Fortune 500 CEO positions. And while the number of women in Congress is at a record high (18%), it is clear we still have gains to make.

In 2012, Rocky Mountain PBS greatly expanded the national ITVS/PBS/CPB-funded multiyear, multiplatform initiative called “Women and Girls Lead.” With the help of a local advisory committee and key community partners from the Girl Scouts to the Women’s Foundation, our statewide campaign – an effort to celebrate, activate and create programs supporting women and girls across Colorado – has struck a chord.

As a public broadcasting station dedicated to serving the public over the bottom line, we are committed to promoting tolerance, understanding and awareness. Through Women and Girls Lead, we are shedding light on important women’s issues, from violence prevention to economic equity to leadership development, with the trust and care that our public has come to expect and rely on from Rocky Mountain PBS.

The initiative is multiplatform, from on-air educational messages and ground-breaking documentaries to roundtable discussions on our weekly news and public affairs series, “Colorado State of Mind.” Online at rmpbs.org/womenlead [link to page], we feature web interviews spotlighting some of the many unsung heroines making a difference in our community – including nominations from our statewide viewers of “women who lead.”

Rocky Mountain PBS is out front screening powerful films and hosting panel discussions that foster meaningful dialogue in support of women’s rights and women’s leadership through our free Community Cinema program, as well as town-hall meetings with notable female leaders like animal welfare expert Dr. Temple Grandin and PBS journalist reporter Maria Hinojosa.

We are raising the profile of women and the importance of tolerance with grassroots partnerships, inspiring stories and trusted information – and we are doing it in both English and Spanish. Women and Girls Lead content airs on Vme, Rocky Mountain PBS’ Spanish-language station – and is critical outreach to Colorado’s growing Latino community.

How do we know Women and Girls Lead is resonating? Dozens of local organizations have approached us to partner; our advisory committee comprised of three regional groups has grown to nearly 100 women; businesses from Chevron to CO Biz Financial are aligning their brands with the initiative. And we’ve heard from dozens of women and girls – and men – who thank us for taking on such a worthy cause.

An upbeat and inspirational campaign, “Women and Girls Lead” brings attention to tough issues and Rocky Mountain PBS’ leadership role in changing the status quo.